Pistons coach J. Bickerstaff on Monday adjusted its lineup by inserting a guard Dennis Jenkins in the place of a great man Paul Reed. The move paid dividends as Jenkins had 22 points, eight assists, six rebounds and four steals in a 122-111 win over Washington. It snapped a two-game sweep and improved Detroit’s record to 7-3.
Bickerstaff indicated he could decide on his fifth starter in every game until then Jalen Duren returns from hamstring injury.
“I think DJ earned more because he pushed us off the bench.” Bickerstaff said. “We talked about our starts and how we thought we could improve those starts. Matches dictated some of that as well. Being able to get him to counter Trey Youngand then put AT (Ausar Thompson) on AJ (Dybants), I thought this match would be good for us as well. So, trying to find the spark to get going, but then again, the matches played a part in that as well.”
Duncan Robinsonwho also scored 22 points, said Jenkins is the team’s spark plug.
“We’re tough when Danis is that aggressive. We like to see him be an aggressive playmaker for himself and others.” said Robinson.
Jenkins will be a restricted free agent after the season.
Here’s more on the Pistons:
- John Collinsthe team’s biggest free agent acquisition this offseason, had his best game of the young season with 24 points and 10 rebounds. Collins was the center in a smaller lineup, and Bickerstaff said Collins will see action at both power positions. “Yeah, I mean he’s been involved and I think that’s the most important thing for him and that’s what we’re trying to find is that balance when he’s on the four against the five.” Bickerstaff said. “How (do) we still get him in some action? Throughout his career, when he’s been in pick-and-roll situations, he’s very good at playing in the pocket and finishing, and obviously he’s got the ability to knock down shots. So, again, we’re learning and we’ll figure it out eventually. But (we’re) just trying to figure out how to best use guys.”
- Duren’s interior presence is still lacking despite the team’s record, Detroit News beat writer Coty M. Davis opines, noting that Washington Anthony Davis scored 44 points and grabbed 13 rebounds. Without the rebounding Duren, the Pistons have averaged 42.3 rebounds over their last eight games, 18th in the league. They have allowed opponents to average 12.4 offensive rebounds over that stretch. “We’re doing everything we can to make up for what he brings us every night.” Cade Cunningham said. “Being on the glass, still trying to get points in the paint. Obviously, we didn’t do anywhere near as well as we do when he’s with us, but the coming together and trying to cover for each other was there. That allowed us to win games.”
- First round pick Okorie shares didn’t get much playing time with Cunningham and Jenkins eating up most of the minutes at the point. On Monday, Okori got a chance to play some fourth-quarter minutes, and he scored five points in six minutes. “He’s just a hoot. You can tell he loves the game, works hard at it.” Cunningham said, trans MLive.com’s Jacob Richman. “You can tell he’s just waiting for his moment. So every time his number is called, he’s ready and excited about it, and he goes out and plays like that.”